At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people by determining eligibility for energy assistance programs through interviews and documentation.
- Company: Join Penquis, a mission-driven agency supporting local residents for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 14 paid holidays, health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and wellness incentives.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive team and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Associate’s degree or relevant experience, strong communication skills, and computer proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 18.2 - 18.2 £ per hour.
Article Content
Do you want a career that truly helps people?
Join the mission‑focused Housing & Energy Team at Penquis, a trusted agency that has supported residents across Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties for over five decades.
We are looking to hire a full‑time
Eligibility Specialist in our Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
In this key role, you will work directly with clients either in person or by phone to conduct interviews, collect and verify documentation, and determine eligibility for energy assistance programs.
This is a full‑time opportunity in our Bangor office. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with limited travel to surrounding areas.
- Location
- Bangor, Maine
- Eligibility Specialist Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive interviewing and screening to obtain necessary information, including citizenship documentation, housing information, household makeup and the household’s income to determine eligibility for energy assistance programs.
- Acquire and maintain knowledge of all energy assistance program requirements and guidelines, HEAP, LIAP, AMP, WX, CHIP and AST as well as other agency programs to provide accurate information to client inquiries.
- Provide referrals to other resources as appropriate to the individual’s or family’s need.
- Interact with the public in a professional manner; maintain client information in complete confidence; learn and apply federal and state regulations.
- Employ excellent customer service skills to serve clients in high‑stress and emergency situations.
- Learn and maintain knowledge of application processing systems to calculate income, energy assistance payments, and capture household criteria for participation in programs via entry into systems.
- Eligibility Specialist Requirements
- Associate’s degree in the social service or business field and/or 1–2 years’ work experience in an office setting where client contact was a responsibility.
- Computer proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet programs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have a valid Maine driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation.
- Upon hire and periodically thereafter, must comply with Penquis background check requirements with satisfactory results as outlined in current contract provisions.
- Excellent Benefits Package (benefit eligible)
- 14 Paid Holidays (Including your Birthday!)
- Paid Time Off +3 Days upon hire
- Paid training for all required certifications
- Dental/Health/Vision
- Retirement Plans
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellness Incentives
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Reimbursement
The rate of pay for this position is $18.02 – $18.20 per hour.
Join our team by applying online at or contact us at 973‑3500 (TDD: 973‑3520) or by email at for more information.
In accordance with federal regulations, Penquis does not discriminate.
Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
Penquis is a tobacco and smoke‑free workplace.
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Eligibility Specialist (HEAP) – Bangor employer: Penquis CAP
At Penquis, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Our Bangor office offers a supportive work culture with a focus on employee growth, providing comprehensive training and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, health coverage, and tuition reimbursement. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to help those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Eligibility Specialist (HEAP) – Bangor
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Penquis CAP.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Penquis CAP!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Penquis CAP, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Penquis CAP or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Eligibility Specialist (HEAP) – Bangor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Penquis CAP:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Penquis CAP! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penquis CAP
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
